Converted Contax/Zeiss Won't Focus

**mwilky55** · 05-13-2017, 05:59 PM

Hi, I'm hopeful someone might be able to guide me.

I was putting a Leitax converter on a Contax Zeiss 50 1.4 MMJ. The aperture ring works well. The focus ring turns nicely and the lens moves out and in just fine, but there is virtually no focusing, just blur.

One thing I may not have done correctly (and maybe there's more than one) is re-attach the little spring. Would that explain the lack of focus and, if not, does anyone have other suggestions?

Many thanks,
Michael

stevebrot · 05-13-2017, 07:08 PM

What parts are left over after the conversion?

Originally posted by dcshooter

The other possibility is that the lens was out of wack to begin with. Did you confirm it worked correctly on a Contax before doing the re-mount?

This too ^ ^ ^

Steve

uttam.hathi · 05-13-2017, 09:27 PM

r u using a leitax or chinese equivalent of leitax

Blacknight659 · 05-14-2017, 05:05 AM - **1 Like**

Hum... Not to change subjects on everyone, but do you all know of a contax range finder adapter? I am talking about the Contax IIiA and Kiev mount to Pentax K.

Nuno Almeida · 05-14-2017, 07:19 AM

Originally posted by Blacknight659

Hum... Not to change subjects on everyone, but do you all know of a contax range finder adapter? I am talking about the Contax IIiA and Kiev mount to Pentax K.

Shouldn't be possible without some glass, the register distance on any slr is bigger then the one in rangefinder's.

**mwilky55** · 05-14-2017, 07:37 AM

Thanks all for the replies. The adapter is from Dave in Spain, so it is a genuine Leitax.

I'm not sure of the names for the two parts that are left, but they are the exact same two as my 50 1.7 conversion.

And unfortunately, no, I didn't have a Contax to check it on, but will try re-seating it and see if that will work.

You guys are just one of the many reasons I love this forum. Thanks again!

**interested_observer** · 05-14-2017, 11:26 AM

Originally posted by mwilky55

Thanks all for the replies. The adapter is from Dave in Spain, so it is a genuine Leitax.

I'm not sure of the names for the two parts that are left, but they are the exact same two as my 50 1.7 conversion.

And unfortunately, no, I didn't have a Contax to check it on, but will try re-seating it and see if that will work.

You guys are just one of the many reasons I love this forum. Thanks again!

Sorry, I couldn't post earlier. I would take a quick picture of the two left over parts and include them in an email to Dave at Leitax, asking for his advice. He is probably the most knowledgeable person about the conversion. He has always been very helpful and cordial in answering my questions. I have two of the lenses (28/2.8 and 85/2.8) that I converted - the first was from a local gentleman who assured me that it was perfect (I was stupid, I should have bought everything he was selling). The second came from a kit I purchased (2 bodies, 4 lenses) off of craigslist, that I checked out on the body (in the kit) and it too focused well. I then sold off the 2 bodies and the AE lenses, which essentially made my lens free.

zapp · 05-19-2017, 06:20 AM

Leitax used to be quite responsive - drop them a line.

05-13-2017, 05:59 PM	#1
mwilky55 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Southeastern Connecticut Photos: Albums Posts: 816	Converted Contax/Zeiss Won't Focus Hi, I'm hopeful someone might be able to guide me. I was putting a Leitax converter on a Contax Zeiss 50 1.4 MMJ. The aperture ring works well. The focus ring turns nicely and the lens moves out and in just fine, but there is virtually no focusing, just blur. One thing I may not have done correctly (and maybe there's more than one) is re-attach the little spring. Would that explain the lack of focus and, if not, does anyone have other suggestions? Many thanks, Michael

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05-13-2017, 07:08 PM	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	What parts are left over after the conversion? Originally posted by dcshooter The other possibility is that the lens was out of wack to begin with. Did you confirm it worked correctly on a Contax before doing the re-mount? This too ^ ^ ^ Steve

05-13-2017, 09:27 PM	#3
uttam.hathi Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Albums Posts: 621	r u using a leitax or chinese equivalent of leitax

05-14-2017, 05:05 AM - 1 Like	#4
Blacknight659 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 731	Hum... Not to change subjects on everyone, but do you all know of a contax range finder adapter? I am talking about the Contax IIiA and Kiev mount to Pentax K.

05-14-2017, 07:19 AM	#5
Nuno Almeida Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Aveiro Posts: 179	Originally posted by Blacknight659 Hum... Not to change subjects on everyone, but do you all know of a contax range finder adapter? I am talking about the Contax IIiA and Kiev mount to Pentax K. Shouldn't be possible without some glass, the register distance on any slr is bigger then the one in rangefinder's.

05-14-2017, 07:37 AM	#6
mwilky55 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Southeastern Connecticut Photos: Albums Posts: 816 Original Poster	Thanks all for the replies. The adapter is from Dave in Spain, so it is a genuine Leitax. I'm not sure of the names for the two parts that are left, but they are the exact same two as my 50 1.7 conversion. And unfortunately, no, I didn't have a Contax to check it on, but will try re-seating it and see if that will work. You guys are just one of the many reasons I love this forum. Thanks again!

05-14-2017, 11:26 AM	#7
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	Originally posted by mwilky55 Thanks all for the replies. The adapter is from Dave in Spain, so it is a genuine Leitax. I'm not sure of the names for the two parts that are left, but they are the exact same two as my 50 1.7 conversion. And unfortunately, no, I didn't have a Contax to check it on, but will try re-seating it and see if that will work. You guys are just one of the many reasons I love this forum. Thanks again! Sorry, I couldn't post earlier. I would take a quick picture of the two left over parts and include them in an email to Dave at Leitax, asking for his advice. He is probably the most knowledgeable person about the conversion. He has always been very helpful and cordial in answering my questions. I have two of the lenses (28/2.8 and 85/2.8) that I converted - the first was from a local gentleman who assured me that it was perfect (I was stupid, I should have bought everything he was selling). The second came from a kit I purchased (2 bodies, 4 lenses) off of craigslist, that I checked out on the body (in the kit) and it too focused well. I then sold off the 2 bodies and the AE lenses, which essentially made my lens free.

05-19-2017, 06:20 AM	#8
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,388	Leitax used to be quite responsive - drop them a line.